The annual award in its sixth year recognizes the top centers in Division I men's college basketball and is named after 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

The annual award in its sixth year recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball and is named after 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Karl Malone.

Proceeds from the game will benefit the California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.

The sophomore was named to the watchlist as one of the top-20 small forwards in college basketball.